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First and foremost, it is important to point out that the term 'leather' is governed by law and applies only to materials of animal origin. So, by definition, no such thing as leather is made from plants. However, there are alternatives to leather that have undergone chemical treatment: this is known as vegetable leather, i.e., leather that has been tanned using plants!
In this video workshop presented by Jean-Baptiste, you'll discover all the nuances between the different names used by the brands. You'll have all the information you need to choose your next jacket and learn about the alternatives to traditional leather.
After being washed, raw hides remain highly hydrated. To make leather, they need to be treated to become "rot-proof": they become strong and supple, making them suitable for clothing manufacture.
Tanning is a technique that has existed for thousands of years. It involves leaving the hides to macerate in vats or large barrels, called fullers, containing tanning agents that transform the characteristics of the material.
How do I use the cleansing milk or delicate cream?
Tanning in vats
Tanning in fulling mills
While the type of tanning alone does not determine the quality of the finished leather, it does play a role. Vegetable tanning is appreciated for its authenticity. The leather will develop a natural patina as it ages, making it a unique piece. It is also reputed to have a rounder, more sensual feel.
This type of tanning also has other advantages. For one thing, vegetable-tanned leather is recyclable by nature. Secondly, it is harmless to health and does not risk causing allergies!
f you're a fan of authentic products made using time-honoured techniques and with respect for people and the environment, then choose plant-based leather!
If you use a cleaning product, always test it on an inconspicuous area first!
The smell test
This is the simplest method but also the least reliable. All you have to do is smell the leather. If the material has a real leathery smell, that's a good sign. The most refined noses will even be able to recognise a hint of undergrowth. If, on the other hand, it gives off a strong, unpleasant smell, a so-called "chemical" smell, then there's a good chance that the hide has been chrome tanned.
The claw test
To carry out this test, simply 'scratch' or 'claw' the leather. If the leather is vegetable-based, the scratch you create should fade very easily simply by rubbing it with your fingers. Just be careful not to damage your jacket!
The flame test
It's best to avoid doing this test for fear of damaging your product! However, if you want to do the test, take a lighter. Light it against the leather and observe the reaction of the material. Your leather has been chrome-tanned if it produces a green ash residue.
While these tests can give you a helping hand, they are not 100% reliable, and we would always advise you to get in touch with a specialist you can trust to certify the origin of your skin. At Leather-Jack.com, for example, you'll find a selection of lambskin leather jackets.
These products are all marked with the following sticker:
Like all real leather, vegetable-tanned leather needs to be cared for. And it needs special care. Without chemical treatment, it is more sensitive to water than standard leather. So, while any jacket should be waterproofed, we strongly recommend that you ensure your vegetable-tanned leather jacket is regularly waterproofed.
We also recommend nourishing it regularly with cleansing and nourishing milk to keep it looking as radiant as new. You can find all our care tips here to learn more about applying these products.
